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In a recent newsletter, we discussed the topic of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and its potential role in initiating other serious illnesses. EBV is a high risk, sleeping giant for some and it is best dealt with before serious issues arise. There are many anti-EBV agents in addition to nutrients mentioned in the previous article. For those who need more ammunition in fighting an immune deficiency, CFIDS/ME, cardiac myopathy or aneurysms, mouth ulcers, skin disorders/eruptions, vascular inflammation, ataxia, kidney inflammation, or several cancers associated with Chronic Active Epstein Barr Virus (CAEBV), take note. It is time to gather additional knowledge and wage war.

Herbal Wonders

The nutrients laktoferrin, vitamin C, vitamin D, curcumin, and lauricidin were mentioned in the previous newsletter as powerful compounds that helped fight against EBV and reduce serious risks. Further research shows additional noteworthy compounds with remarkable properties for dealing with Chronic Active EBV. Researchers studied over 32 different herbs and evaluated cancer chemopreventive activities associated with the Epstein Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation. The herbs studied included saw palmetto, tumeric, wild yam, passion flower, fever few, blueberry, chasteberry, licorice, ginger, valerian, hops, and a number of others. They found that several of these herbs inhibited tumor promoter TPA compound (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) associated with Chronic Active EBV or EBV-EA by more than 90%. This was astonishing! The most notable results were found with tumeric followed by passion flower. Many of these herbs were also identified as powerful cancer chemopreventive agents and were effective anti-tumor agents in animal models. Based on this information, researchers encouraged the exploration and application of these herbal remedies in people.

Mangosteen

Xanthones, which are natural compounds found in the plant family of Garcinia mangostana or from mangosteen, were studied for their effectiveness against EBV-EA. Researchers found that some of the xanthones extracted from mangosteen species significantly inhibited viral activation and were valuable anti-tumor promoters. Mangosteen has uniquely structured antioxidants that allow the xanthones to attach to cell membranes. This characteristic may theoretically protect the cell membrane from EBV antigens, attacking it and causing breakdown. This is particularly important for EBV related cancers most specifically Burkitt’s lymphoma as it is associated with cell membrane disruption.

Ginger

Ginger demonstrates remarkable activity against EBV as well. Researchers studied several of the rhizomes, the active components in ginger, and found it blocked both the expression of EBV-EA-D (diffused EA antigen), EA-R (restricted EA antigen) and blocked the compound TPA associated with tumor activity. This means that it blocked multiple levels of viral and tumor activity associated with EBV. The study also demonstrated that there was no risk for toxicity! Try comparing that to prescription antivirals that often lead to kidney or liver damage with extended use.

Citrus Compounds

In addition, citrus peels and seeds were found to have cancer chemopreventor effects against Chronic Active EBV. Researchers identified citrus based compounds in reducing TPA, which is the tumor promoter that is associated with active EBV. Hot off the press research suggests that the medicinal herb Myrtle (Myrtus communis L., Myrtaceae), which naturally contains limonene, is an antiviral agent and has many other pharmacological and therapeutic effects. While the research did not specifically state that Myrtle or d-limonene had activity against CAEBV, it clearly acts as an antiviral agent. The natural, theoretical conclusion is that the positive response with citrus peels and seeds may be linked with the compound d-limonene, which is extracted from citrus peels. Rather than the consumer trying to figure out how to consume citrus peels, let alone in a high enough quantity to get therapeutic benefit, d-limonene offers a great opportunity without the mess.

Mainstream medicine often offers patients high dose steroids, immune modulators, immunochemotherapy, or other experimental, powerful drugs that are often very toxic when dealing with viral and cancer concerns. For those presently facing Chronic Active Epstein Barr Virus, these powerful herbal compounds (curcumin/tumeric, passion flower, mangosteen, and d-limonene,etc.), along with zinc, laktoferrin, vitamin D, vitamin C, glutathione, and selenium offer tremendous therapeutic value in waging the war. For those who are on the cutting edge of science and have looked at their genetic risk and found that they are at risk for genetic immune polymorphisms, these compounds demonstrate tremendous potential for risk reduction and protection. Remember that 90% of genetic expression is turned on or off by what we wash over our genes. How you take care yourself with diet, lifestyle, sleep, exercise, and nutrition determines genetic expression. Take charge of your health. Reduce the risk for these serious consequences from this ubiquitous sleeping giant today.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Note: the asterisk mark following a paragraph and linking to the above FDA disclaimer applies to any or all statements in that paragraph.